Top Five Women To Watch In Reggae Music The one thing that has been submerged in the morass of the heated debate over the life or death of reggae music, was the fact that the last ten years has been quite exciting for reggae music. The unprecedented number of ladies wanting to be artists in an industry previously dominated by men. No longer wanting to remain aspiring performers "ah drop two lyrics" for friends and family. They have now stepped into the forefront ready to take their turn at the spotlight. Here is a list of the top five Jamaican female artist to watch in Reggae music compiled by Editor At Large, Karen (Koko) Mitchell.
Conversation with Bristol Reggae Orchestra founder, Stella Quinlivan Bristol Reggae Orchestra is one of the UK’s most unique, inspiring and uplifting community projects. Set up in early 2010, its debut sold out St George’s in Bristol, a renowned classical music venue, and turned it into a seething dance hall. Since then, performances at local festivals, in the St Paul’s community and around the southwest have confirmed the Reggae Orchestra as one to watch.
Reggae Music the State of Affairs: Stan Evan Smith Talks to Pat Meschino, Billboard Reggae Journalist American journalist Patricia Meschino has been a colleague of mine for a number of years. Her appreciation of, respect for, and knowledge of Jamaica music, especially reggae-dancehall, is deep and sophisticated. Pat has covered the reggae beat for over 20 years. She is currently a reggae writer for Billboard magazine. Meschino began her writing career in the 90’s, the heyday of major label involvement with reggae and dancehall. Her first publication was with American Peggy Quattro Reggae Report magazine. She’s written for The Source, Vibe, The Village Voice, Skywriting, Jam-Rock and Billboard magazines. She has worked with BobMarley.com.
Reggae Music the State of Affairs: “An Interview with Louie Grant, Executive VP, Irie Jam Media” Irie Jamboree, North America’s premier reggae festival on Labor Day weekend in New York City ceased it seven year in 2010. Executive VP Grant gives Jamaicans.com the exclusive on the return of the new and improved 2013 Irie Jamboree Music Festival. Jamboree in 2013 will a three day Labor day Caribbean week end celebration with a reggae night, Soca night and Creole /R&B night at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Conversation with Jamaican music veteran, singer EVER-G Everett G. Streete, professionally known as EVER-G, is a talented Reggae artist who hails from Hanover, Jamaica and currently resides in Hampton, Virginia. EVER-G writes and sings positive, conscious and uplifting songs with messages of peace, love and unity. Whether EVER-G is headlining his own shows, is the opening act for such greats as: Steel Pulse, Third World, Shabba Ranks, Yellow Man, Sanchez, Ky-Mani Marley and Gregory Isaacs, or recording his CDs, he takes you back to a time of great reggae rhythms and electrifies his audiences. EVER-G’s fan base is international with Music lovers of all genres.
Conversation with Jamaican singer, Karian Sang - Video This week we have a conversation with Jamaican singer, Karian Sang. Born in Kingston, Jamaica the young artist Karian Sang (formally known as lil precious) started singing at a young age. She quickly discovered that her Jamaican ancestry blessed her with rhythm in her soul and a beautiful voice. Lil Precious’ first album first single “So Insane” was added to Top 40 radio stations across Canada. In 2010 the second single “Ma Jam” was also added to radio and TV ( Much Music/Much Vibe). April 2011 Karian Sang/Lil Precious won her five WRCMA awards.
Concert Review - Maxi Priest Gives his Maximum, March 30th, 2013, Miramar Florida I have been a Maxi Priest fan for years but had never seen him in concert. When I heard he was having a concert in Miramar, Florida, as the featured artist I penciled the date on my calender. ”An Evening with Maxi Priest” was held at Miramar Cultural Center in Miramar, Florida on March 30th, 2013.
Spotlight on Jamaican Actor Richard Chevolleau I first met Richard Chevolleau years ago when I was taking an acting class with Paul Bardier. One day Richard and Desmond Campbell came to class. Richard was 18 and Richard and Desmond were some of the youngest people in a class that also included supermodel Monika Schnarre. It was Meisner Technique so I had a chance to work out and spar with Richard in the repetition exercise. We even mixed it up in patois once. It was clear that Richard was a naturally gifted actor with a focus and intensity that can still be seen in his work today. Richard plays Jammix in Sudz Sutherland’s movie Home Again, focusing on the struggles of deportees to re-adjust to the land of their birth. If you’re based in Canada, you’ll recognize Richard from Flashpoint, The Border, She's the Mayor, Da King in my Hair, and numerous other TV series. Americans will recognize him from Earth: Final Conflict, Street Time, and other work that we will discuss in the interview.
Reggae Music the State of Affairs : “A Chat with Neil Robertson, VP Records, Mr. Director of Touring” I met Neil Robertson, in the mid 1990’s in New York City when he was quarterbacking then Jamaican rising star “Luciano” “Where there is Life project in the US. He currently head the live events and touring department at VP Records. Robertson is responsible for coordinating touring for reggae artists signed to or distributed by New York based Indie VP records.
Review: Media Event for Linkage Award Show February 28, 2013 Press and Media Party to launch the Linkage Award Show which will be held at Mount Vernon High School March 16. The Award Show features a host of artists with special lifetime achievement award going to venerable artists Bunny Wailer, John Holt and Lady Saw.
"One Drop!” - A Conversation with Belinda Becker This week we’re talking to NY-based DJ Belinda Becker about her life as a DJ and the many things that inspire and influence her craft. A soulful Jamaican, Becker is inspired by a myriad of genres of music and has practiced her craft across several continents. Her life as a dancer, actor, and DJ, who once aspired to become a journalist, is one that can inspire many young Jamaican women to pursue both their talents and dreams as a means to a successful and happy life.
Conversation with multi-award winning Jamaican singer/ songwriter, Ruth-Ann Brown For multi-award winning singer/ songwriter, Ruth-Ann Brown, making Reggae music was hardly a choice; it was something she could not run from. Their union has been as fluent as the success she has experienced to-date. Since the release of her five-song EP, RUTH, she has received two awards, been featured on Fox Network, interviewed by several radio stations across the world and featured in and on the cover of several print media.
A Conversation with India's first reggae sound system, the Reggae Rajahs This week we interview India's Number One Champion Sound Reggae Rajahs. The Reggae Rajahs are India's first reggae sound system. The trio composed of Diggy Dang, Mr. Herbalist aka General Zoos and DJ MoCity are reggae entertainers and promoters based out of New Delhi. Known for their energetic live performances, the Rajahs came together for their love of reggae music in early 2009. The Reggae Rajahs have dedicated themselves to spreading the sounds of roots reggae, ska, dub, and dancehall across India. Here is our conversation with the Reggae Rajahs.
Review: Caribbean Fever Heats up Barclay Center Originally scheduled for November 2, 2012, the events of Tropical Storm Sandy and the subsequent cancellation of a Nets basketball game, meant the much touted and anticipated Caribbean Fever concert featuring a mash-up of Caribbean Soca, reggae, hip hop and dancehall artists had to be postponed to December 17, 2012.
Conversation with Jamaican singer Stephanie Wallace-Maxwell Stephanie Wallace-Maxwell is a Jamaican singer and songwriter who has graced various avenues of entertainment and the arts in her young career. She has travelled the world with various acts as a supporting vocalist for the past six (6) years. From Basque band singer Fermin Muguruza and California band Groundation to Cocoa Tea, Mr. Vegas and Cherine Anderson. Having been a member of The Ashe Performing Arts Ensemble, she is trained as an all round performer.
Conversation with Reggae Arist, Richie Spice Reggae virtuoso and cultural sensation Richie Spice exhibits his unbridled talent and versatility with the release of his latest studio effort, Soothing Sounds: Acoustic, available worldwide on Tuesday, October 23, 2012 from Tad's Record. Touted as the Prince of Reggae, Spice (born Richell Bonner in St. Andrew, Jamaica), earns that crown with each selection on this 15-track album, which is testament to its title by presenting the soothing sounds of this acclaimed artist, acoustic and unplugged, for the first time. Soothing Sounds: Acoustic is a masterpiece collection that successfully presents an eclectic mix of musical elements, fusing classic reggae vibes with modern day acoustic rock, Spanish guitar, jazz and African drum beats.
Review: Caribbean Night at the Northern Star Arena in New Jersey’s Six Flags I got the call late in the day to attend the Caribbean Night at the Northern Star Arena in New Jersey’s Six Flags. Billed as a celebration of Caribbean heritage and 50 years of the amusement theme park, it promised to be a great event, featuring I-Octane, Mavado and Barrington Levy.
Review: Richie Stephens New CD Release - God is on Your Side The CD release of Richie Stephens’ new Gospel Album ‘God is on my Side’ set a new trend as far as album releases go. Firstly, it was held at the New York offices of PR Company Ruder Finn and secondly, it was a community sponsored event. As Host Irwin Clare mentioned, long gone are the days when record companies promote and launch reggae albums.
FREE SONG DOWNLOAD for 1 week only - "JAMAICA 50" by The Tennors Rocksteady group, The Tennors, reunited after a 35 year hiatus. Founding member George Murphy aka Clive Tennors, Ronnie Davis and new member Henry “Sadiki” Buckley Jr. recently recorded the song "Jamaica 50". They have provided the song exclusively to Jamaicans.com for free downloads. Get your free copy of this single today!!! This offer ends August 10th, 2012.
A conversation with critically acclaimed Philippines' reggae artist Jeck Pilpil This week we interview critically acclaimed Philippines' reggae artist Jeck Pilpil. Born February 14, 1977 in Manila, Philippines the singer/songwriter/musician started playing reggae with the band Peacepipe in 2002. He has released 3 reggae albums with all original songs. He considers himself a reggae “ambassador” in the Philippines' spreading the message of One Love. Here is our “uncut” conversation with Jeck Pilpil.
Interview with Jamaican choreographer, dancer, songwriter, and singer Camille Kaye This week we interview Jamaican choreographer, dancer, songwriter, and singer Camille Kaye. She has worked with renowned choreographers Tanisha Scott and Kameica Reid, been featured in numerous music videos and danced for Brick and Lace, To-Isis, Onaje, Carlene Davis, Bling Dawg and Alaine. As a singer/songwriter she has already performed at major concerts such as Atlanta Jerk fest and Miami-Broward Carnival. Camille has her sights set on international stardom, inspired by the successes of acts like Sean Paul, Rihanna and Beyonce. She was recently nominated "Best Female Artist 2011" for work on her debut mixtape "Bad Nuh...!" at The Official Mixtape Awards. Here is our conversation with Camille.
A Conversation with Jamaican Singer-Songwriter David M This week we have a conversation with Jamaican Singer-Songwriter David M. He has a unique sound which incorporates an eclectic creative mix of R&B and Reggae in his music. Here is our conversation with David M.
Interview with French reggae artist, Hosny This week we interview French reggae artist Hosny. He is the leader of the upcoming band French reggae band, Good Morning Babylones. Here is our conversation with Hosny.
Interview: The Tennors Ride Again after 35 years Interview with The Tennors, Jamaica's Premier Rock-Steady Group, featuring George "Clive" Murphy, Ronnie Davis and newest member Sadiki Buckley as the group re-forms after a 35-year hiatus. It was in the midst of the memorable Ska era, or more precisely 1962, that George Murphy aka “Clive Tennors” and Alvin (Cheng Cheng) formed a vocal duet called “The Tennor Twins”. Both singers performed together at numerous Ska venues on many occasions and recorded their first songs for Duke Reid’s Treasure Isle label with The Skatalites as session musicians.
Review: Rebel Salute 2012 – The Ultimate Fan To say that I am a fan of reggae would be an understatement. I LOVE LOVE LOVE – ONE LOVE – reggae music, and all variations thereof. If you open my iTunes and type in ‘reggae’ it shows seven days worth of non-stop listening. And that doesn’t even count the extensive collection I have of rock steady and lover’s rock.
Review: Monty Alexander’s Express Rolls Again! Billed as a dual celebration of Monty’s 50 years in music and Jamaica’s 50th year of independence, the final night of the second week of his NY tour dubbed the “Harlem-Kingston Express” so named after one of Alexander’s most recently nominated Grammy album in the best Reggae Album category produced a stellar line up of special guests which included Dean Fraser, Tarrus Riley and Diana King.
Year 2008 Reggae Grammy Winner and Nominees Videos Here are the Year 2008 Reggae Grammy Winner and Nominees Videos. The artist and albums nominated for that year are: Stephen Marley – Mind Control, Burning Spear – The Burning Spear Experience, Lee "Scratch" Perry – The End of an American Dream, Sly and Robbie and the Taxi Gang – Anniversary, Toots & the Maytals – Light Your Light.
Year 2009 Reggae Grammy Winner and Nominees Videos Here are the Year 2009 Reggae Grammy Winner and Nominees Videos. The artist and albums nominated for that year are: Burning Spear – Jah Is Real, Elephant Man – Let's Get Physical, Heavy D – Vibes, Lee "Scratch" Perry – Repentance, Shaggy – Intoxication, Sly and Robbie – Amazing.
Year 1997 Reggae Grammy Winner and Nominees Videos Here are the Year 1997 Reggae Grammy Winner and Nominees Videos. The artist and albums nominated for that year are: Bunny Wailer – Hall of Fame: A Tribute to Bob Marley's 50th Anniversary, Gregory Isaacs – Mr. Cool, Maxi Priest – Man with the Fun, Sister Carol – Lyrically Potent, The Skatalites – Greetings from Skamania
Year 2012 Reggae Grammy Winner and Nominees Videos Here are the Year 2012 Reggae Grammy Winner and Nominees Videos. The artist and albums nominated for that year are: Monty Alexander – Harlem-Kingston Express Live!, Israel Vibration – Reggae Knights, Stephen Marley – Revelation Pt. 1 – The Root of Life, Ziggy Marley – Wild and Free, Shaggy – Summer in Kingston
Year 2011 Reggae Grammy Winner and Nominees Videos Here are the Year 2011 Reggae Grammy Winner and Nominees Videos. The artist and albums nominated for that year are: Buju Banton – Before the Dawn , Gregory Isaacs and King Isaac – Isaacs Meets Isaac, Lee "Scratch" Perry – Revelation , Bob Sinclar and Sly and Robbie – Made in Jamaica , Sly and Robbie and the Family Taxi – One Pop Reggae , Andrew Tosh – Legacy: An Acoustic Tribute to Peter Tosh.
Year 2010 Reggae Grammy Winner and Nominees Videos Here are the Year 2010 Reggae Grammy Winner and Nominees Videos. The artist and albums nominated for that year are: Stephen Marley – Mind Control – Acoustic, Buju Banton – Rasta Got Soul, Gregory Isaacs – Brand New Me , Julian Marley – Awake, Sean Paul – Imperial Blaze.
Year 2007 Reggae Grammy Winner and Nominees Videos Here are the Year 2007 Reggae Grammy Winner and Nominees Videos. The artist and albums nominated for that year are: Ziggy Marley – Love Is My Religion, Buju Banton – Too Bad, Matisyahu – Youth, Sly and Robbie – Rhythm Doubles, UB40 – Who You Fighting For?, UB40 – Who You Fighting For?.
Year 2006 Reggae Grammy Winner and Nominees Videos Here are the Year 2006 Reggae Grammy Winner and Nominees Videos. The artist and albums nominated for that year are: Marley, DamianDamian Marley – Welcome to Jamrock, Burning Spear – Our Music, Sean Paul – The Trinity, Shaggy – Clothes Drop, Third World – Black Gold & Green.
